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The Mariner's Mirror Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rmir20 REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING F. L. Field & V. W. Baddeley Published online: 22 Mar 2013.

To cite this article: F. L. Field & V. W. Baddeley (1922) REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING, The Mariner's Mirror, 8:7, 209-216, DOI: 10.1080/00253359.1922.10655125 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00253359.1922.10655125

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Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 SOME BALLADS AND SONGS OF T1IE SEA.

Now Hymen's bands shall splice our hands And knot our hearts in one ; No more the gale shall bend my sail, For thee my rec'ning's run. Come then, my dear, no storms we'll fear, Thy compass has proved true, And while I live my heart I'll give To lovely charming Sue.

Essentially the seaman has remained little changed through the centuries. He is the same breezy fellow, endowed with courage, resource, loyalty, devotion, and cheerfulness in his duty, as always, and constant in his affection and love of home. This is a pleasant note on which to leave him here. In the last article of this series we shall again find him fighting the country's enemies, and telling of his service with sharp and humorous comment on the manner in which, as he thinks, this service has been misused.

REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Eighth Annual General Meeting of The Society for Nautical Re­ search was held at the Royal United Service Institution at half-past three o'clockon Wednesday, 14th June, 1922. The President, of the Fleet Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, Bart., G.C.B., K.C.M.G, C.V.O., LL.D., was in the chair, and among those present were Mr. R. C. Anderson and Mrs. Anderson, C. N. Robinson, Mr. M. F. Wren, Mr. C. E. Fox,

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 Mr. Archibald Hurd, Captain David Norris, Captain T. P. H. Beamish, Mr. B. Glanvill Corney, Mr. G. E. Manwaring, Mr. W. G. Perrin, Lt.­ Colonel Sir Arthur Leetham, Sir Julian Corbett, Admiral W. H. Hender­ son, Commander Rundle, Captain Lenny, Captain Bosanquet, Miss Isabel E. Powell, Mr. Edward Fraser, Mr. L. G. C. Laughton, Mr. C. D. Penn, and Commander J. N. Benbow. After the balance-sheet and report for the past year had been approved and confirmed, the meeting proceeded to fill vacancies upon the Council, and elected as Vice-Presidents Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, Sir Thomas Devitt, Bart., Mr. John Leyland, and Dr. J. R. Tanner; and, as members of Council, Captain T. P. H. Beamish, Mr. Archibald Hurd, Mr. Cecil King, Mr. L. G. Carr Laughton, Mr. C. D. Penn, and Rear­ Admiral H. W. Richmond, C.B. On expressing their willingness to continue in office Captain Bosan­ quet and Captain Lenny were unanimcusly re-elected Ron. Auditors for another year, the cordial thanks of the Society for their past services being conveyed to them from the chair. The President then read aloud a letter from Mr. Frank Allinson, of 210 REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.

40, Kidbrook Park Road, Blackheath, offering the Societv two Stern lanterns dating from the second half of the eighteenth century. The writer stated that the lanterns were for their age in a f~.ir state of preserva­ tion, retained a portion of their original gilt, and so far as he knew were the only relics of their kind still in existence. They hc>,d been in his possession for twelve years, and had tc>.ken him twenty years to acquire. On th~ President's recommendation this unique gift was gladly n.ccepted, and, until the Society found headquarters of its own in Londc-n, Sir Arthur Leetham undertook to house them in the Museum of the R.U.S.I. Sir Doveton Sturdee then proceeded to the main business of the meeting, namely, the question of the preservation 2.nd restoration of H.M.S. Victory, and the part which the Society had played and was playing in that important work. The position at the close of 1921 was outlined in a. letter which the Council communicated to the Press at the beginning of this year, and which ran as follows :- "Drake's Golden Hind, c.fter puttir.g c. girdle round the earth, was by Roya.l command cf Queen Elizabeth laid up 11.t Deptford in a dock of her own as a perpetual and everlasting memorial of a tremendous achievement. For Bo years she had her vogue, and made a f<>.shion~.ble rendezvous for water parties on the Thames. But when 100 years were accomplished, competent surveyors pronounced that neglect had gone too far and that the vessel <;ould no longer be preserved. She was in consequence broken up. The story of H.M.S. Victory has been different. She was kept on the active list for 10 years after Nelson's death ; and in 1815, without more recognition of her past services than most g~.llant ships receive, was consigned to the shipbreaker's yard. That she escapeddestructionwasdue to the efforts of a private individual, John Poole, best remembered now as the creator of "Paul Pry." He stirred to activity the national con­ science, and Nelson's flagship was saved. But not put out of commission ! The practical mind of 1815 cc>.red little enough for the preserv<>.tion of ancient monuments. If the Victory was to remc.in at , she must continue to work; and thus it came about that she has carried a Commander-in-Chief's flag ever since Nelson's own was lowered; and has fired salutes until her very timbers groaned under the strain that her labours entailed. But such activities could not be indefinitely extended; and in 1914 the Secretary of the Society for Nautical Research called attention to the fact that something immediate ought to be done. The moment was inopportune ; and the outbreak of war inevitably postponed further consideration of the Victory's needs. But at a well­ attended Council meeting of the Society for Nautic~J Research held on April 26th, IgZI, it was unanimously resolved to appeal to the public for help and assistance in the matter. The President of the Society made

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 himself responsible for the conduct of the affair; and at his request another member of the Council, Sir Philip Watts (whose illustrated pamphlet on the Victory deserves to be better known), prepared a report on whir.h the Admiralty have based their treatment of the Victory during the past few months. Tidings that the Victory was to be moved out of the tideway aroused keen resentment among the waterm\ln at Portsmouth, and out of this resentment grew the reports, widely circulated through the Press during last summer, that the "good old ship was as stout as ever and promised to remain so for another hundred years," a report now known to be utterly misleading. Unhappily before the survey of the Victory was complete and before he could communicate authentic details to the Press, the Pre5ident of the Society for Nautical Research, the Marquess of Milford Haven, died quite suddenly, as all the world knows. What the world, however, does not know is that his activities as President of the Society for Nautical Research constituted Lord Milford Raven's principal interest during the last years· of his life. REPORT OF THE ANNUAL 1\lEETING. 2II

The Victory was safely moved into dry dock at Portsmouth on Thursday, January 12th last, and on the following day the Council of the Society for Nautical Research, resuming discussion as to her future, resolved to tell the public what steps had been taken, and to appeal for help in what remains to be done. It has already been suggested in the Press that the Victory should undergo restoration; and with this view the Council in principle agree. But the restoration, of the Victory is going to be no easy matter. She was built at Chatham, and the docu­ mentary evidence relating to her should properly be found there. When Lord Beresford was at Chatham, however, he abstracted all the archives relating to the ship and had them bound into a volume which passed into his private possession. Where the volume is to be found (if it still survives) nobody at present can say. But until it is forthcoming, nothing in the nature of busty patchwork or hypothetical reconstruction should be attempted. Adequate steps for the preservation of what is undoubtedly a priceless national heritage have been conducted, in the face of opposition, by the Society for Nautical Research, whose name so far has not appeared in the Press. It is greatly to be regretted that Lord Milford Haven is not alive to-day to appeal to the country <'.s he proposed to d.->. His Council, however, feel sure that he would wish to make the facts known to you, and through the hospitality of your columns to appeal to the great British public for support in our efforts to see that Nelson's flagship is cleansed from the anachronistic accretions that detract so much at present from her value and her beauty, and to see also that near the old familiar haven whence she sailed for Trafalgar Bay Nelson's flagship may be properly safeguarded and insured for the veneration and instruction of posterity." Soon after the appearance of this letter the Society (through its Presi­ dent) again got into touch with the Admiralty, and 1he Third Secl. Lord wrote to Sir Doveton Sturdee as follows :- Admiralty, S.W. 7th April, 1922. My Dear Admiral,-! enclose a copy of the communique issued by the Secretary of the Admiralty to the Press with regard to the Victory, and I shall be more than glad if you will take this matter up.-Believe me, yours sincerely, F. L. FIELD. CoMMUNIQUE. The Secretary of the Admiralty communicates the following :- In view of indications of deterioration in the hull of H.M.S. Victory, the Board of Admiralty have caused a careful survey of the ship to be made in dock in H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth.

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 It has been ascertained that a large sum would require to be spent on the hull alone ia order to enable the ship to be refloated, and the signs of decay which are apparent are such that no repairs which could be carried out now would be sufficient to prolong the life of the ship, if replaced in the water, for more than a limited period. The Board have therefore decided that the ship shall remain in the dock where she now lies, and that such work shall be carried out on her as is absolutely necessary for her safety. The Board have also considered the suggestion which has been made to them that H.M.S. Victory should be restored to her original rig, i.e., as she fought at Trafalgar, but the cost of so doing would amount to such a large figure (about £r6o,ooo), that it would be impossible for this money to be provided out of Navy Votes. The Board have further deciclecl that visitors may be allowed on board H.M.S. Victory as soon as the completion of the work makes it practicable for them to visit her, and arrangements will be made, if possible, that the boatmen who formerly earned an income by taking out visitors to the 2!:2 REPORT OF THE AN'N'UAL MEETlN'G,

vessel when in the stream at Portsmouth shall be permitted, if they so desire, to conduct visitors over the vessel in the dock. Admiralty, S.W.1. 23rd March, 1922. Further negotiations followed during April, May, and June, and ''within the last few days," remarked the President, " I have received from the Admiralty a most important commlmication which I should like to read to you in its entirety." Admiralty, S.W.I. 1oth June, 1922. Sir,-I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you for information the accompanying copy of a report which has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Richard F. Phillimore, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., M.V.O., through the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, relative to the restoration of H.M.S. Victory to her Trafalgar rig. 2. With reference to your letter of the 3rd instant, addressed to Rear-Admiral F. L. Field, C.B., C.M.G., I am to acquaint you as follows in regard to the points raised therein, viz.:- (a) Owing to the financial stringency, Their Lordships have approved of a scheme for keeping H.M.S. Victory in No. 2 Dock, and have directed that only such work is to be proceeded with at present as is absolutely necessary for her safety. Estimates amounting to £11,342 and £!3,334 have been prepared, which sums represent respectively the cost of per­ manently supporting. the vessel in dock and the repairs necessary for her safety, with a view to preventing further deterioration. This expenditure would be additional to £so,sz8 for restoration mentioned in the enclosed estimate. (b) Their Lordships would welcome any endeavour on the part of the Nautical Research Society to raise, in such a way as they think fit, the funds necessary for work in connection with the preservation and restora­ tion of H.M.S. Victory. (c) Their Lordships would be pleased to undertake work for the Society as a repayment service, and anticipate no difficulty in meeting their desire to see the work carried out, if sufficient funds can be raised for the purpose. (d) The public are not given unrestricted access to the Dockyard, and, moreover, no fee is charged at present for going over the Victory. The income to be derived from the imposition of a suitable fee would probably not be very large, but such a proposal would be worth consideration when the extent of the work to be do,1e has been decided and the subsequent annual cost of upkeep has been estimated. Their Lordships are of the opinion that it should be deferred for the present until the position is Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 clearer. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, V. W. BADDELEY, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Frederick C. D. Sturdee, Bart., G.C.B., K.C.M.G., C.V.O., LL.D.

SIR RICHARD PHILLIMORE's REPORT. In accordance with your communication No. 3427 of 16th January, 1922, I submit herewith my report on what measures are practicable, at a reasonable cost, to restore the Victory as nearly as possible to her appear­ ance in 18o5. It will be seen in the enclosure that the proposals would involve the expenditure of approximately £so,ooo. 2. The question of the restoration of the Victory to her Trafalgar REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING. 213

appearance is a complicated one. She not only was much altered by her I 798 refit, but was largely transformed when she wa~ brought up to date as a fighting ship by Sir H.ohert Scppings in 1820, when she w;~s 61 years old. It follows that a model or engraving of the ship is incorrect, if made prior to I7•)8 or subsequent to I82o. Thanks, however, to the special study of the subject made by Mr. W. L. Wyllie, R.A., R.E., and his son, Lieutenant-Colonel H. '\'yllie, O.B.E., R.A.F., there is no difficulty in arriving at a correct knowledge of her I805 appearance. (3) I am informed by the Admiral Superintendent thd.t 50 per cent. of her timbers are rotten, and am given to understand by the Manager Constructive Department that, though the stern may be restored to its Trafalgar appearance, the Seppings bow cannot be removed in the present state of rottenness of the hull. 4· This impossibility of restoring the old I8o5 bow really marks the limit of possible alterations for the present: as it would probably involve the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of pounds. 5· Much, however, can be done to improve her appearance by doing away with the existing head and top-gallant forecastle and clearing away the bulwarks. ¥.'ocden guns could be fitted in all gun ports, outside planking fitted to show an apparent sheer to upper deck and the ship's side painted in proper colours. The upper deck also could be restored, rail fitted on poop, belfry built, &c. 6. In the matter of rigging it is impossible to fit hemp, as the expense would be prohibitive. Faking up steel wire to represent hemp by p3.rcelling and serving would mean very large expenditure and, in the end, to the general public the result would be just the same a'3 if the existing wire rigging were left as it is. 7· We must face the fact that, even to the Navy of the present day, the existing rigging of the Victory is of almost antiquarian interest 8. When the suggestions have been carried out, the Victory will bear a much closer resemblance to her I805 appearance than she does at present ; but undoubtedly the wire standing rigging and absence of most of the running rigging, added to the f<>.ct that her sails will not be bent, will prevent her close approximation to a contemporary picture. 9. Unfortunately the bows of the vessel, which were<:>. mcst beautiful example of wood construction and art, cannot, as explained before, be rebuilt; so long as the stipulation of " reasonable cost " is adhered to. IO. It would appear desirable that the Society for Nautical Research should be allowed to appeal for funds, as certain other expenses, such as clearing away the shoulders at the E1.st end of the Dock to give a better

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 view and renewing the carving in the stern, might be incurred later. Finally, should appeals prove successful, it might even be possible to raise sums as large as those subscribed for Westminster Abbey, which might permit of even the restoration of the beautiful bow. I I. Press propaganda for raising money should not, in the slightest degree, interfere with the Naval Status of the Victory as the Commander­ in-Chief's Flagship. In my opinion, accepting money for her restoration would give no more claim to the public to interfere with the Admiralty as to the duties of the Victory than subscribing for the restoration of Westminster Abbey has interfered with the exercise of the authority of the Dean and Chapter. I2. This investigation has only been rendered possible through the intimate knowledge of the subject possessed by Mr. Wyllie, R.A., and his son, who realise, with regret, that under existing conditions no more can be done than is here suggested. They are quite prepared to give any help that is required in furthering the restoration, which is a matter they both have very much at heart. 2!4 REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.

ESTBIATE FOR RESTORATION OF H.M.S. "VICTORY" TO TRAFALGAR RIG (EXCLUDING RESTORATION OF Bow).

Labour. Material. Total. £ £ £ 1. To clear away bulwarks and hammock netting, topgallant forecastle, seamen's heads, etc., cut away the upper deck forward from the stem to the existing catheads, fit beakhead bulkhead between main and upper decks, renew defective waterway on upper deck and fit outside plank­ ing as necessary to show an apparent sheer to upper deck, and fit rail to poop. Carry out restoration of upper deck, removing boiler house, museum, etc., cutting amid­ ship hatch and fitting coam­ ings and ladders to main deck, fit pin rails and dummy bollards forward, belfry, etc. Fit spanker boom and gaff, with necessary fittings on mast. Remove and land all guns, except on lower deck, fit dummy guns to all other ports, refitting gun ports as necessary. Clean off and paint hull as in 1805. (The removal, landing and disposal of guns to be carried out bv Naval Authorities) . . - M.C.D. 20,000 6,ooo 26,ooo C.D. 565 275 840 2. To rebuild stern as in 1805 M.C.D. 11,000 6,000 1],000 3· To modify channels as neces- sary to take proper number of shrouds, as shown on

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 sketch of 1805 rig, fit boom- kins two in No. forward, fit studding-sail booms to main yard, and fore and main topsail yards, fit sprit topsail yards, and Admiral's lantern in main top .. M.C.D. goo 250 1,150 4· Refitting and renewal of shrouds. (Steel wire rope, deadeyes, etc.) Pendants for braces, sprits, topsail yards. All running rigging. Stripping down topmast, general expenditure C.D. Total REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING. 215

Totals-Labour £35.309 Material £15,219 Grand Total £50,528

The reading of this letter was followed by a long and interesting discussion in which many of those present took part. Several valuable suggestions were put forward, including one by Captain David Norris, R.N., to the effect that, if funds would allow, the Victory should be moved from her present berth in the yard, and find a more appropriate and becoming home near the entrance to Portsmouth harbour in a dry dock where she would be visible as of old to all who entered the port and where she could exercise the old spell and fascination which all who could see her must feel. The President reminded the meeting that the main question was whether or not they should agree to the Admiralty's proposals which he summarized as follows :- (a) The Admiralty invite the Society for Nautical Research to act as expert ~.dvisers in the matter; and to appeal to the Public for the requisite funds. (b) The Admiralty on their part will undertake the :restoration of the ship on the lines recommended by the S.N.R. ; and, when the restoration has been completed, will undertake the maintenance of the ship in per­ petuity. Sir Julian Corbett then moved the following· resolution: "That the Council be instructed to arr?.nge for a public appeal to carry out as far as possible the restoration of the Victory to her condition in 1805, and that as soon as the fund amounts to £5o,ooo the Admiralty be requested to undertake the essenti'll work as scheduled in the Report of Admiral Phillimore's coml)'littee ; it being understood that the Admiralty is willing that the reconstruction should be done as the Society advises." Commander C. N. Robinson seconded, and the motion being put to the meeting was carried nem. con. Mr. M. F. Wren then made a very interesting speech in support of his contention that the scope of the Society should be extended. He reminded members that they h~.d undertaken to provide the world with a naval and nautical encyclopredia, ~md expressed the hope that this work would not be allowed to drop. In addition to this, it seemed to him very essential that the Society should have headquarters in London where members could more frequently meet one another, where they could get into touch with others who were wcrking on similar lines, and where they could eventually house books, models, and such gifts as they had that afternoon received through the kindness of Mr. Frank Allinson. Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 Captc.in David Norris seconded. He s3id he desired to say with all the emphasis possible that it was the duty of the Society to preserve the detailsofnavallifeinthetransitionstage of the "fifties " which, if not recorded soon, would be lost to all time, and he still hoped that something might be done on these lines :- (1) That members might be asked to formulate questions on any subject; (2) That these should be classified into lists; and (3) That the Society should put itself into tcuch with the older officers in the hope of obtaining the answers. The sort of things he meant were :-Engineering: How did the early ships coal ? Who coaled the ship ? Wh~.t average did they make? Gunnery : How often did ships fire ? How many rounds did they fire at a time? What sort of target did they use? Medical: When was a Light Duty List officially recognised ? Instructional; when were midshipmen's school hours regularised, and what were they taught ? Who saw the first fired, and did it run straight ? Social : Something about 2Ib REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Gunroom Extra. bills, and the limit of wir.e bills. Routines: What differences were ma~e when steam came in-remembering that in the second year of the Cnmea there w~s no purely sailing ship of the Line-all had steam propulsion. Lieutenant Commander J. N. Benbow, in supporting the motion, urged that the Society should publish a catalogue of objects likely to interest country members when visiting London, and London members when visiting the Provinces. It was agreed that these suggestions, all of which seemed very valuable, should be referred to Council for the necessary action ; and, after a cordial vote of thanks to Admiral of the Fleet Sir Doveton Sturdee had been carried by acclamation, proceedings terminated. Many members, however, lingered behind discussing the topics raised during the afternoon, and all agreed that the Society had not hitherto experienced a more memorable or successful Conference.

NOTES.

THE '' VICTORY.'' and fidded topgallant masts in all these I have read with the greatest interest ships was carried out in 1865 in deference Mr. Anderson's note on "The Victory" to the opinion of the the older school, that in the May number of the "M.M.," seamanship would deteriorate if it were no and I have recently come across the longer possible to have competitive drills following account of her appearance in in reefing topsails and exercises with July, 1807, written by a Danish seaman upper masts and yards ; a part of the who fought against us at Copenhagen. resistance to the expulsion of sails It throws a little light on the debated by steam which was then and for some question of the Victory's figurehead. years afterwards so strongly exhibited. " Her stern is very elegant, and built in a The change really had a contrary effect to style of great simplicity, being totally that intended, for all these ships became divested of that carved work which in more dependent on their steam power. former times encumbered large ships ; Cunningham's patent self-reefing top­ her head is likewise extremely light ; it sails· were fitted in all troopships of this displays his Majesty's arms tastefully period, and remained until troop service emblazoned and supported by angels. was given upbytheAdmiralty.-W. H. H. She was at that time painted in checker."

Downloaded by [New York University] at 04:18 08 February 2015 (" A Dane's Excursions in Britain," by SPECIAL FLAGS. J. A. Andersen, pp. 67-8).-G. E. In view of the references to flags in MANWARING. the last number of the "M.M." the following minute from the " Admiralty DOUBLE TOPSAIL YARDS. Journal," dated 15th December, 1677, I served in the Prince Consort from may be of interest :- May, 1864, to September, 1866, When " A bill brought of £xoo for a couple I joined she was barque rigged and fitted of silk flags provided as an expedient with double topsail yards and stump top­ for the service of the Prince and Princess gallant masts, as were all the early iron­ of Orange designing to go over to Holland clads except Warrior and Black Prince. in several (i.e., separate) yachts, the same It was a rig well adapted, from a seaman's consisting (by ad vice of Sir William point of view, to these ships ; in fresh and Dugdale, Garter King-at-Arms) of the strong breezes the Prince Co:nsort could arms of Orange and England, with a work under sail, because it enabled a title and labels impaled, supported good press of canvas to be carried. with a lion of Orange of one side and the The reversion to single topsail yards English on the other side, and dis·